How to Drain Eustachian Tube: 4 Easy to Use Drainage Methods

The Pharyngotympanic or Eustachian tube is the middle part of the middle ear and Nasopharynx that connects them. These tubes help in draining fluid and maintaining the ear pressure.

The Eustachian tubes don’t open up usually apart from the process such as yawning, swallowing and chewing. The passageway that is present in Eustachian tube is small that can be blocked with small extra pressure.

In case of Eustachian tube experience blockage then it will start with mild pain followed up by hearing difficulties and a feeling of filling up in the air.

These type of issues are termed as ETD – Eustachian tube dysfunction. This type of issue depends on the cause which decides the recovery process. It can fix itself or home remedies. However, it is possible that cases are severe then a doctor visit will become a must.

The Function of Eustachian Tube

Equalizing Air Pressure – The most common function of the Eustachian tube is to equalize the pressure in the middle ear part. When a person swallows, yawn or chew, it is common to experience some sort of pressure over the area that can block of the passage.

Hence, Eustachian tube is used to ensure that no such thing occurs.

Mucus Drainage – Another of the function is draining off mucus from ears. The allergies or infections lead in blocking or swelling up of the Eustachian tube. This results in the growth of infection due to bacteria. However, if you are using decongestants then you can reduce the swelling.

This issue is extremely common with kids that disrupt the flow of fluid. Another cause of this problem is a weak immune system due to a poor diet that makes them a target of respiratory infection.

Main Symptoms

Plugged in felling

Fullness or a watery feeling in the ear

Hearing issues

Tinnitus, a ringing sensation in the ear

Popping or clicking sensation

Ticking sensation

Pain

However, the pain will depend on the cause of Eustachian tube blockage. Sometimes, the blockage doesn’t even have any point out with pain.

Even if the altitude changes then you might experience blockage that will resolve once you are back on the plain. Some of the symptoms can be long-lasting.

Treatment

The Eustachian tube dysfunction is not a big issue unless the cause is serious. However, it is possible that you don’t even need a treatment method to resolve the issue. But if the cause persists and severe which is happening for more than two weeks. Then it is time to get in touch with a doctor.

The treatment process will depend on the cause and seriousness of the ETD. However, there are many cases that doctor will give you tips for home remedies or will get prescribed drugs along with OTC – Over-the-counter – meditation.

1. Home Remedies

In case, you are having a mild issue of blockage or Eustachian tube drainage then you can use some home remedies to be back to normal.

Swallowing, chewing gum, breathing out via nostrils while keeping your mouth shut, yawning and even saline nasal spray. If a baby is experiencing this then a pacifier or bottle can do the trick.

2. Conventional Method

In case of severe infection, you might require some antibiotic. However, don’t take any medicine without consulting a doctor.

This can be oral tablets or ear drops that can work out fine for such issues. For the severe issue, oral corticosteroids are also used.

3. OTC options

These options are recommended in case of infections that can cause discomfort to Eustachian tubes. It can be recovered with the help of allergy medication such as Benadryl, AllerTec, cetirizine Zyrtec and alleroff that can reduce the risk of infection.

Then, there are pain reliever options as well such as Advil, Tylenol and Motrin that can help in the alleviation of pain. However, you need to consult a doctor to fix a proper quantity.

It is possible that you are allergic to a few of the drugs so it is always better to get in touch with an expert to avoid any other side effects.

There are many other invasive treatment methods as well that is used by the experts for ETD. The most common implantation is PET – Pressure equalization tubes that help in keeping the air pressure in air stable. Also, it is used to avoid any sort of infections too.

It is also possible that if Eustachian tube is having a trouble then you need to drain off the fluid present. To drain the fluid, it is essential to cut off the eardrum.

4. Using Candle Wax

The ancient method to avoid such issue is using candle wax. However, it is not a safe option that is stated by the FDA – Food and Drug Administration. In addition to this, there is no evidence that can prove the effectiveness of candle wax for ear remedy.

There is no need for long-term complication for the ETD problem. It can be solved out in a few weeks, maximum two. However, if the allergies or infections are controlled than half of your problem will be under control.